Flying with equipment?

Can you take a tripod as a carry-on when flying within the U.S? I checked the TSA website but I couldn't find anything about a tripod.

I've seen people carry them on, just holding them in their hands. But I think I would call, and check before taking the chance. I always toss mine in my checked luggage. But everything else comes with me, as carry on.

--Evan

Flying domestically with a tripod is not prohibited by the TSA but call your airline for their specific policy or put it in your checked luggage.

I've flown to Malaysia and Hong Kong a few times with my tripod strapped to my camera bag. No one gave it a second glance. I haven't travelled with it within the US though. If you can fit it, just put it in your luggage to be safe. Plus it was a PITA having the extra weight on my back while I was walking around the airport.

I wouldnt try. Try and stick it in your checked in luggage.

I have never had a problem with carrying them on. Typically I attach them to my bag.

You can fly with a tripod, provided it meets carry on guidelines, as carry on within most countries. The only country I know that expressly forbids carry-on for tripods is Italy. While it is not usually enforced, it is on the books in Italy.

For some detailed info, I wrote about flying with a tripod as carry on on my site for traveling photogs here:
http://flyingwithfish.​blogspot.com …y-tripod-on-board-my.html

I strapped mine to my bag when traveling in April and had no issues. United and AA were the airlines I used.

I've seen a lot of people carry them on in a bag as a separate item.

Thanks for all the replies! I'm flying out Sat but I will call the airline ahead of time just to make sure.

XRay,

Send me the airline and airports and I can get you an answer. Many times airport and airline customer service reps have no idea.

I flew Narita to Seoul on All Nippon last month. Had tripod in carry on bag. Had to remove it after it went through the machine, and one of the inspectators measured it with a measuring tape. It passed. Strange. I think if I had strapped it to a bag, and it was longer than carry on on limits, I might have had to check it. I have the big Velbon at home. Almost impossible to fit it into a checked bag. Has its own carrying case, and I guess I could pad it a bit and check it in. My monopod fits carry on, so no problems so far. I do worry each time, as the rules seem inconsistently applied.
Cheers,
John